Nearly all Americans believe that the recent government shutdown was detrimental to the country, and a majority say they were personally affected by it. Republicans are more likely than Democrats to be considered by Americans to have won the shutdown, but many say neither party came out on top. While more support than oppose expansion of Affordable Care Act subsidies, Americans are closely divided on whether Democrats should've held out for these changes during shutdown negotiations.
What you need to know about how Americans view the shutdown, as of the November 15 - 17, 2025 Economist / YouGov Poll:
- The vast majority of Americans believe that the government shutdown was harmful to the country: 50% think it hurt the country a great deal, 29% say it was hurt somewhat, and 15% say a little
- Fewer Americans say they were personally affected by the shutdown: 9% say they were affected a great deal, 18% say somewhat, and 29% say a little
- Who do Americans think won the shutdown battle? More say Republicans did than Democrats (35% vs. 8%); 39% say neither party was the winner
- Among Democrats, 25% say Republicans won the shutdown, 14% say Democrats did, and 45% say neither party won
- Among Republicans, 52% say Republicans won the shutdown, 7% say Democrats did, and 26% say neither party won
- More Americans favor than oppose expanding subsidies for the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare (48% vs. 30%). Americans are closely divided on whether Democrats in Congress should have held out for expanding subsidies during shutdown negotiations: 36% think they should have held out and 39% think they should not have. Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to think congressional Democrats should have held out (64% vs. 10%)
Image: Getty (Win McNamee / Staff)
